Why Blog?

Still love my kid… anyway, WHY BLOG?  A thought provoking question worthy of reflection.  Why do I blog?  At first, I started blogging with the hopes of building my confidence in writing, finding my voice, and gathering the courage to share what I think.  Three years later, I’ve accomplished my blogging goals.  In doing so, I established a blogging framework… one photo, one thought, and keep it short… in addition to being aware of my aha moments to share as it relates to education, leadership, and my lived experience.  This is my “pedagogical journey.” We are all unique, thus all edu-blogs are unique.  What we want to share, how much we share, and why we share are inspired by what shines within the blogger.  What inspires me is what I learn (or relearn) believing that someone else “out there” has similar aha’s.  Now entering 2014, I am reassessing why I blog.  Look forward to my next blog entry… it might be different (or not). #learning #selfassessment #yayme

Perfect Timing

Love my kid… this photo best depicts how I feel.  What an incredible awesome day…  From beginning to end, everything that happened today was meant to happen.  In fact, it was perfect timing.  One situation after another, I needed to happen at the right time to do the right things with the right people at the right place… wholeheartedly.  For this, I am grateful.  Ya, I’m being super vague about the details, but in truth, it doesn’t matter.  If we all take a moment to slow down, look around, and reflect on our day… everything that happens around us, to us, and for us occurs for the right reasons at the right time.  The sequence of events are not ones I could predict or control, but they are for me to acknowledge and recognize.  No judgement.  These events were neither good or bad, but rather opportunities to learn something new.  Today, I received plenty of beautiful messages from the most unexpected places.  As I write, I am smiling. #gratitude #thankyou

Comes in Three

Welcome to a new year… with a new year, there are new resolutions… I have decided to work on goal setting.  Yup.  Taking the lunge, asking for help, and making the move to narrow my focus into something that is productive, meaningful, and worthwhile… as part of a long process… and not the endpoint of a certain chapter in life.  As I work through this process, I have arrived to several aha’s.  First, messages, hints, or clues… come in three.  For example, as I try to establish what’s really important to me… I have literally bumped into what I was suppose to hear.  One day I heard… go back to school, adult education, and autodidactism… three related messages from three different conversations.  On another day I heard… mathematics education, content knowledge, and student achievement.  And, with my goal setting work I hear… writing, researching, and learning.  The message seems pretty clear to me.  To my surprise, this is something that I really want to do, I am ready to do, and understand that this is only a part of the whole picture.  This is reassuring.  I am also learning about my strengths, limitations, and deepest desires.  The pieces of the puzzle seem to be falling into place and I am driven to continue on this path.  There is no question that I am passionate about mathematics education, professional development, and quality public education.  What I am realizing is that I will have to move forward on this pedagogical journey one step at a time.

Realizing My Passion

What am I going to do with my life?  I ask myself this question as I turn the page towards the next chapter.  This is reminiscent of my younger years.  Yup, I went to university at 17 not knowing what I wanted to do.  I knew that I was not an English or Humanities person… so I enrolled into the Faculty of Science.  In my third year, that is, 20 years ago I figured out “what I wanted to do with my life.”  Education.  I volunteered at Kwantlen College with the Adult Basic Education program and tutored math.  Of all the occupations I considered in my first three years at UBC, I never considered education.  Volunteering at Kwantlen was incredible.  I loved working with adults so that they could get onto their next chapter.  Extremely rewarding.  Well, I’m back at it again with my consulting business… I’m tutoring an adult in Math 11.  We laugh, we learn, and we drink lattes.  The best part it is, the session ends with a “thank you.”  The feeling is mutual.  #fullcircle #gratitude

Trustee School Visits 2014

Langdale Elementary – January 10, 2014

What a great couple of days… this is the last year of my first term as school trustee… and my third “Trustee Tour” of School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast).  The Trustee School Visits are intended to see school development plans, aka. School Goals, in action.  This year, the focus is early reading, social responsibility, and graduation rates.  We have toured 10 schools so far.  On January 10th we visited Davis Bay Elementary, Roberts Creek Elementary, Gibsons Elementary, Cedar Grove Elementary, Langdale Elementary, and Elphinstone Secondary in addition to the Gibsons Elementary Rebuild construction site.  On January 13th we visited Kinnikinnick Elementary, Chatelech Secondary, Pender Harbour Secondary, and Madeira Park Elementary in addition to witnessing the Entrance Pole Project Ceremony at Pender Harbour Secondary.  It is a truly a privilege and honour to visit schools on the Sunshine Coast.  I love observing students engaged in their learning and I love connecting with teachers engaged in their practice.  Thank you staff and students for welcoming the SD46 Board of Education and Senior Staff into your schools and into your classroom.  It’s so wonderful to step away from the board table to see YOU… the students, teachers, SETA’s, and school principals doing what YOU do… teaching and learning.  LOVE IT!!!  #tourtobecontinued #halfmoonbay #westsechelt #alternativeschools  

About Me + Sunshine = Homework

Prince Rupert Senior Secondary School, Grad ’88

My friends Angela and Kat from my PLN (professional learning network) have kindly invited/nominated me to be a part of this 11-11-11 “chain letter.” Thank you!!! Angela defined it as an opportunity to write About Me. Kat defined it as an opportunity to spread some sunshine.  From what I understand about this “homework” assignment, as seen on Twitter, it’s a opportunity to get to know people in your PLN a little bit better.  Angela and I met F2F at SD48 at an Assessment for Learning (AFL) workshop I was facilitating. As much as “I love MATH”… so Angela claims in her blog, I believe that we are AFL kindred spirits. On the other hand, I have never met Kat F2F. We met on #bcedchat on Twitter, giving each other virtual “high fives.” And yes Kat, it is 2014… we must meet soon… Maybe @edcamp35 or @EdCamp_Delta???

The homework assignment is this: (1) Write 11 random facts about yourself, (2) answer 11 questions posed by your nominator, and (3) invite 11 other people from your PLN and ask them to repeat steps (1) and (2) and answer 11 of my questions. For this homework assignment, I have decided to answer both sets of questions from Angela and Kat.  Welcome to the 11-11-11 PLN chain letter… or the greatness of social media and the connected educator… growing exponentially.  LOVE IT.  Before I begin, I would like to include Angela’s and Kat’s blog submissions so that you can get to know them a bit better as well… OK. Here it goes…

Angela Stott, Vice-Principal at SD6, @ajgadd:
http://stott.edublogs.org/about/

Kat Mulski, Teacher at SD35, @Teachinginthe21: 
http://teachinginthe21.weebly.com/1/post/2014/01/blogging-for-sunshine.html

11 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. Born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC… yup, it’s true… not Prince George.
2. Believe it or not, I lived on Prince Rupert Blvd… it’s a small town.
3. Graduated from Prince Rupert Senior Secondary School… surprised??
4. Wore a tuxedo for my high school graduation… I’m cool like that.
5. My first name is Alice… let’s not talk about that.
6. Alcan High School Curling Provincial Champion… winner!!!
7. Still believe that I’m in my early 30’s… do the math, started curling when I was 2.
8. Look Chinese, but do not speak or understand Chinese… not even dim sum.
9. Have a twin brother… who looks nothing like me, really.
10. Flatfooted and almost 5’2″ tall… yup, stellar athelete (aka. curling star).
11. Don’t know how to swim… but I can throw a mean out-turn takeout.

 

11 QUESTIONS POSED BY ANGELA:

1. Describe your transition from secondary school to post secondary school.
ANSWER: Sketchy, at best. Prince Rupert is a small town. UBC is a HUGE campus. A tough transition.
2. Where is one place you’ve been that you would tell others in “forgettable”?
ANSWER: Hong Kong. Been there once for a family reunion. Loved it. Would go again.
3. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why was that teacher so great?
ANSWER:  Mr. Leonard, Grade 12 Chemistry Teacher. He was kind, a matter of fact, and loved Chemistry.
4. Favorite Canadian band?
ANSWER: Does Michael Buble count?  If not, then I like Loverboy (oh snap, the 80’s).
5. What kinds of books do you read just for the heck of it?
ANSWER: Maybe RTI (Response to Intervention) books… just received 3 FREE books in the mail.
6. If there was just one thing that you wish you could be a little better at, what would it be?
ANSWER: Reading.
7. What do you wish you knew when you were 16 that you know for sure now?
ANSWER: Be true to yourself.
8. How do you think you have the greatest influence in your work?
ANSWER: My passion for quality public education, student learning, and student success… Let’s keep talking.
9. Describe what retirement will look like for you.
ANSWER: Sadly, I would still be working… traveling… but teaching, learning, and leading. #awesome
10. You have a meeting with an important person to talk about important thing. Who is that person and what are you going to talk about.
ANSWER: Me and me.
11. What eating establishment do I need to go to if money, distance, and time were of no concern.
ANSWER: Love Vij’s in Vancouver. Mmmmm…. Super YUMMY. Best meal of my life!!!

11 QUESTIONS POSED BY KAT:

1.  Name your top 3 most influential writers, individuals, educators. How have they affected you as an educator?
ANSWER: Alfie Kohn, Alasdair McIntyre, and Geoff Madoc Jones.  Out-of-the box people, pushing the boundaries.
2. What or who influences you to continue to be an educator?
ANSWER: Students, “making a difference,” and my PLN.
3. Star Wars or Star Trek- and why?
ANSWER: Star Trek… sorry Kat… Love Jean-Luc Picard.
4. What educational goal are you aiming for completion this year?
ANSWER: A dissertation proposal, data collection, and data analysis.
5. How do you spend a day electronic-less? Or do you? 🙂
ANSWER: What??? Hmm… Good one… ugh… no electronics, eh?  Sleep.
6. You bump into your hero(es)- who are they and what do they say to you?
ANSWER: Sandra Schmirler and Geoff-Madoc Jones… “Hi!”
7.  Would you ever sign a petition to ban duo-tangs from elementary schools? If yes, why and if no, why not?
ANSWER: Secondary math teacher… never used duo-tangs??? My kid used to… No opinion.
8. Pen or Pencil?
ANSWER: Pen, definitely. Seems CRAZY for a math teacher. Pencils are too “grippy.”
9. What is your favourite way to spend a summer?
ANSWER: Doing nothing and lying on my driveway with a beverage soaking up the sun.
10. If your phone died right now, how do you react?
ANSWER: Panic.
11. Anticipating educational trends and changes on the horizon, what do you anticipate 2014 to include?
ANSWER: e-Portfolios as a means of ongoing student assessment K-12.

MY 11 NOMINEES:
Will be inviting SD46 peeps with hopes of provoking an #SD46pln… hopefully they blog as well.

1. Patrick Bocking, @Patrick_Bocking  
2. Leah Judd, @leah_judd   
3. Jeff Marshall, @JeffMarshall2
4. Paul Bishop, @paulmlbishop  
5. Bob Cotter, @gibsonsgolfer
6. Carolyn Spence, @CarolynMSpence  
7. Kate Kerr, @katekerr46   
8. Cheryl McCrone, @cheryl_mccrone
9. Susan Telfer, @susanktelfer 
10. Richard Biel, @BarnacleBiel  
11. Darren Klepsch, @darren_klepsch

MY 11 QUESTIONS:
FYI #SD46pln Nominees… participation is voluntary… if anything, it’s 11 to answer, not 22… Meh, it’s for fun.

1. Have you ever curled before and what position did/would you play?
2. What is your favorite memory about school?
3. What would you like to achieve in 2014?
4. If you were a can of soup, what kind of soup would you be?
5. Name one new edu-initiative you would like to try and why.
6. Who is your favorite Peanuts character and why?
7. How do you best connect with your PLN?
8. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would that be?
9. What is your best accomplishment or favorite memory of 2013?
10. As an educator, what is your claim to fame?
11. What do you love about teaching/leading/learning in SD46?

Whoa. You are soooooo right Kat.  This is a SUPER long blog, but so worthwhile.  And yes Angela, I can put myself MORE out there.  Lots of reflection.  Lots to consider.  I hope that you’ve learned a little more about me.  I would encourage my #SD46pln Nominees to embark on this 11-11-11 homework challenge and share.  It’s an excellent way to get to know your PLN a bit better.  Thank you Angela and Kat, once again, for the invite/nomination.  #LIKE

EdCampHOME 2.0

What an experience… EdCampHOME 2.0. Although this was the second year that the #edcamphome team has facilitated a virtual EdCamp via Google+, Google Docs, Google Hangouts, Google On Air, YouTube, and Twitter, this was my first #edcamphome. It is an absolutely unreal experience, particularly for someone who is moderately techno savvy. Admittedly, I’ve been to a few EdCamps in the Vancouver area learning face-to-face with those who has a vested interest in education.  However, the #edcamphome experience entailed a relatively steep technology learning curve. The payoff, you get to collaborate with someone from Wisconsin, Baltimore, or Chicago. This is kind of cool for a Canadian girl like me who lives in a small town on the west coast.  Best of all, it was in the comforts of my own home. Worst of all, I am still learning about Google and all its apps. Certainly I have some prior knowledge with Google Hangouts, Google Docs, and Twitter from co-moderating #bcedchat.  Which by the way, I am so proud to a part of and adore my Professional Learning Network (#PLN) on Twitter. #edcamphome was another opportunity to meet and learn from other deeply passionate educators face-to-face, online. Everyone was so helpful and lots of YouTube tutorials to bridge the gap. Thank you. I was one of 265 participating in #edcamphome. I was astounded by the use of social media to create this dynamic and dialogical learning experience. I managed to catch the first session on how to facilitate EdCamp in Schools. We tossed ideas about audience, structure, resources, past experiences, and best practices. 8 strangers getting together online on a Saturday morning to talk about professional development and EdCamp. I managed to miss the second session on EdCamp for Students. Figured out why an hour after the fact, but no worries… the session is recorded on YouTube. Bummed that I was unable to participate in the discussion, I can still be a part of the learning experience. Phenomenal. I also watched another session on YouTube about creating a PLN for Teachers. Loved it. And, there are other YouTube sessions I can watch on my own time. There were at least a couple of dozen different topics to choose from in each session. Lots of choices. Last of all, I belong to the EdCampHOME 2.0 Google Community. More learning. What I love so much about EdCamp is the mutual sharing of our expertise, passion, and experiences. Thank you to @swpax, @davidedu, @LS_Karl, and @coachk for facilitating @edcamphome and for being so brave to live feed your facilitation (aka. troubleshooting) via Google On Air at www.edcamphome.org. I may have missed an opportunity for live interaction in Session 2, but I loved listening to and watching this incredible team of four making #edcamphome a wonderful and memorable experience for everyone participating from Canada, the United States… and beyond. I will certainly make an effort this year to learn more about Google+ et al for EdCampHOME 3.0. Thank you organizers, facilitators, moderators, and participants of #edcampHOME for enlightening me on using technology as a tool to learn. Loved meeting new people today and having my PLN grow a bit more. I encourage all educators to get involved with Twitter and social media to “get connected” and “breakdown the silos.”  #gratitude

Resolutions for 2014

Welcome to the new year… only a few hours left until it’s 2014.  I know of so many people who can’t be bothered to make new year’s resolutions.  Why?  These resolutions will be broken within a few weeks after declaring them.  As a result, the act of breaking resolutions becomes the tradition.  I can see how people would give up on this annual ritual of disappointment.  I’ve done it many times.  This year I’ve decided to make Resolutions for 2014.  The difference is, I’m not about to announce the specifics of what I intend to do in the new year… I’m still working on the details as we speak.  What I will share is the BIG IDEA.  In the new year I would like to “find my light”… “shine from within”… “stand up”… “lean in”… and yes, “feel good” about what I’m doing.  No more hiding.  No more pretending.  No more stepping aside.  2014 will be about facing my fears, finding my voice, and pursuing my goals/vision.  #courage #academicwriting #dissertation #geoffmadocjones

A Year In Review

LISTEN.  PATIENCE.  FORGIVENESS.  LOVE.

Well… it’s that time of year for reflection… A Year In Review.  2013 has been overall good.  Certainly, there are some notable ups and downs.  It has been a journey, for sure… and wished I had a road map to guide me from A to B.  I don’t.  I meandered, met lots of great people along the way, and enjoyed many wonderful edu-experiences.  My pedagogical journey has not been straightforward.  It would have been much easier had I stayed in my job, teach mathematics, do the same thing from year to year, and wait for “my pension date” to arrive.  In many ways, I wished that could have been me.  Life would have been much more predicable, safe, and secure.  I opted otherwise.  Jumped and took the plunge… some say brave, some say crazy… to learn more about education outside of the classroom.  Initially, I left teaching a few years ago to create space for my dissertation… but may have created too much space.  I wanted to share my voice with teachers for teachers… and succeeded as an SFU Site Assistant and educational consultant.  I desired to make a difference in mathematics education… and achieved this with the BC Association for Mathematics Teachers and Math K-9 Curriculum Development Team.  I am passionate about BC public education… and actively contribute as a school trustee in leadership roles such as the SD46 Education Committee Chair, member of the BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA) Education Committee, and appointed member of the BC Ministry of Education Standing Committee on Provincial Curriculum representing the BCSTA.  I get to talk about education and positively affect hundreds of students, locally and provincially.  This seems totally unimaginable.  Furthermore, I am grateful that I get to do some other awesome things such as co-moderate #bcedchat Twitter Chat with three outstanding educators from around BC, be one of the directors of the Sunshine Coast Community Futures Board focused on innovative local economic development, and spend a bit of time with my daughter and her learning experiences at school.  I also look back at other edu-opportunities in 2013 like presenting in Honolulu at the Hawaii International Conference on Education in January, being one of the keynote speakers at the UBC Aboriginal Math K-12 Symposium in February, presenting in Kelowna at the BCSTA AGM in April, and attending the Canadian School Board Association Congress hosted in Vancouver in July.  I could not have accomplished these career highlights had I remained a practicing secondary mathematics teacher.  With that said, I could not have engaged, contributed, and appreciated all that I have experienced had I not been a successful secondary mathematics teacher in BC public schools.  I left teaching to challenge my edu-beliefs, be an edu-explorer, and understand more about BC public education.  2013 has closed this chapter.  I have other challenges to face, thus my resolutions for 2014.  I could dwell on what has NOT happened… but maybe 2013 was not the right time. #optimistic #trust #gratitude #newyear

Putting Yourself Out There

Merry Christmas!  What a wonderful day in the Younghusband household.  As you can see, my daughter loves her new scooter.  She had no problems unwrapping the gift, assembling it, and jumping out of the house to try it out in her robe and pajamas.  What the?  I love that about my kid.  There is much to learn from her.  First, if you love something… show it.  Don’t be shy.  I may not share the same love, but so what?  It’s not about me.  It’s about her.  Second, jump in with two feet… there is no shame.  You can’t over plan the situation.  She could have taken a shower, brushed her teeth and hair, and get ready for the day before stepping outside.  Does that make the situation any better?  Nope.  In fact, it might make the situation worse.  Third, seize the day.  Why not live in the now?  Be present.  That is the best present of all.  No planning or projecting could have made this moment any better.  #thankyouZoe #wheeeee #vulnerability #joy